Unlocking the World
Tahiti and the rest of French Polynesia has reopened to travelers from the US
Lilit Marcus, CNN • Updated 7th May 2021
(CNN) — The beautiful islands of French Polynesia have officially reopened their borders to travelers arriving from the United States.
The group of Pacific islands, which include popular beach getaways Tahiti and Bora Bora, opened their borders on May 1 to travelers who have been in the United States for at least 30 days prior to departure.
Though that's good news for people eager to find a vacation spot this summer, don't assume that everything is back to normal in the archipelago.
The islands of Tahiti and Moorea still have a curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. every day until at least June 1.
Travelers must fill out the ETIS health declaration form before boarding their flight. One form is required per adult, but minors can be included on a parent or guardian's form. These will be collected by gate or customs agent at the airport of departure.
Vaccinated travelers will be required to include an official certificate of vaccination, such as a CDC card.
All travelers, regardless of vaccination or immunity status, will be required to supply negative PCR test results taken three days prior to arrival. Antigen tests are required upon arrival, and another PCR test is required the fourth day after arrival.
Vaccinated travelers, as well as those with proven immunity documented by a serology test, can bypass the 10-day quarantine. Unvaccinated travelers will still be required to quarantine for 10 days.
For the return test required for travelers to get back into the United States, there is a rapid testing facility inside the airport.
What is there to do once you arrive? Shops, restaurants, bars, museums, houses of worship, video game parlors, sports grounds, salons and other businesses are largely open, although they must respect local curfews and maintain social distancing inside.
Masks are also required at all public places throughout the islands, except for kids under the age of 11. Nightclubs, outdoor markets and circuses are closed. Restaurants are limited to six people per table.
From the United States, there are direct flights from Los Angeles, Honolulu and San Francisco.
All flights arrive at Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, the country's lone international airport.
Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated quarantine rules for all travelers to the islands of French Polynesia. Currently only unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for 10 days. The story also has been updated to clarify who can travel to the islands now that tourism is reopened there. According to updated information on the Tahiti tourism website after the story was published, the islands are open only to travelers arriving from the United States.
